PNP increases presence in riverfront park amid Makati-Taguig row

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has increased its presence near the Makati Park and Garden to maintain peace and order within the area after Taguig City ordered its closure for supposedly operating “without proper permits.”

PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said deploying their personnel within the area is just a precautionary measure in case something happens near the riverfront park, which has been barricaded and surrounded by Taguig City personnel since Sunday morning.

“I talked to the Makati police chief and Taguig police chief, and according to them, the traffic management office and public safety division personnel of Makati and Taguig are maintaining their presence within the area,” Fajardo said in a press briefing on Monday.

“On our part, we are also keeping our presence there to maintain peace and order, as well as public safety. We are prepared to enforce the law when the need arises,” she added.

READ: Makati hits back at Taguig over park shutdown

Following the closure, Makati City branded the local government of Taguig a “bully” for closing down the riverfront park, trapping several employees within the area.

Taguig claimed in a separate statement that Makati failed to secure a mayor’s permit in accordance with the Local Government Code, jurisprudence, and local ordinances covering any business, trade, or activity within the city.

“The said park and garden, which has been effectively closed as a park by Makati and used as a garage for its heavy equipment and storage for various objects, is subject to Taguig’s jurisdiction, which has the right to possess and administer the same, notwithstanding Makati’s unlawful possession,” Taguig said.

But Makati stood firm in its claim that the park was the city’s property. It added that the move may also send wrong signals to foreign investors and ruin potential foreign investments.

Moreover, Makati reiterated its call for the national government “to censure Taguig for its actions” in a bid to preserve and protect the former’s properties.